The Boston Marathon returned on Patriot’s Day this year and I have loved seeing everyone’s social media posts from the race (whether they were running or spectating, it looked like a fun day!)
While I didn’t get to watch much of the race due to a very busy day at work, I enjoyed reading all the stories from after the event. Below is a roundup of some of my favorite headlines and stories from race day.
Spring is here and I am so ready for it. While our weather in Kentucky keeps going back and forth between winter and spring, I know warmer temps are close! Pick a few of your favorite this or that questions from the list below and let me know your answers!
Indoors / Outdoors Shorts / Leggings Tank or Tee / Sweatshirt Dark colors / Bright colors Park run / hit the roads Allergies / No Allergies <– let’s be honest, I have allergies YEAR ROUND. Run in the April showers / Stay dry Headwind / tailwind Beer mile / Color run Small race / big race Sports Bra Squad / Shirt on Jelly beans / Reese’s eggs
That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that in 7 years. It’s also my first race post-baby. 14ish months ago I had a baby and this weekend I ran 13.1 miles IN UNDER 3 HOURS. I am so dang proud of myself for that.
I went into this race with expectations other than to finish. The time limit was 4 hours and to be honest, in the days leading up to the race I worried if I would finish in time. While I had started training well, the last few weeks I had hardly run due to work and other commitments. The most I ran during this training cycle was 9.5 miles.
My official time was 2:58.09. I was 418/480 and the last one in my age group to finish. And guess what, I’m still so pumped about it. My running goals look a lot different than they used to, but this sport is near and dear to my heart and I’m thankful it keeps welcoming me back year after year.
Race day was COLD with temps in the low 30s. But there is nothing like the energy at the start of a race. Once I got to starting line with hundreds of other runners, I was pumped.
The course was beautiful. We started in downtown Owensboro at Smothers Park and basically ran all around the “north side” of the city. The foliage is breathtaking this time of year and the fact that I got to run all around my hometown and see these views made me so happy.
The best part about this race was I had FUN. Miles 1-4 I just rode the runner’s high and stayed with the 2:45 pack. Once we started to thin out I realized I was going a little fast and should probably let off the gas a bit. Miles 5-10 I just tried to take it all in. I was running a half marathon! I was actually out there doing the dang thing. I took pictures of every pretty tree I saw. I took pictures of lawn statues decorated for Christmas. I gave high fives to spectators and even saw my high school XC coach at a water station.
By mile 11 I had slowed down a little and mile 12 was pretty rough. But that last mile I knew I could do sub-3 if I pushed myself.
Going down the chute I spotted Ryan and Emery and I started to get emotional. They are my support and the reason for everything I do. I could not ask for a better team. Ryan encourages me to chase my goals and Emery was the best little running partner during all those stroller runs. Gosh, I just love them so much.
Not only did we get massive medals, but the swag was also pretty great too. Tech shirt and hat, freebies and coupons from local businesses, a 13.1 sticker and a beer at the finish line.
This was the perfect comeback race. I had so much fun and I believe in my abilities as a mother runner so much more now. Already looking forward to 2022!
This will probably be the first of several posts about running with a baby in a jogging stroller.
First things first — it is hard. Like obviously I knew pushing a stroller + a 20-pound baby would be harder than just running but even a short run with the stroller gets my heart rate pumping.
I’ve been a runner for 10+ years. So I knew that even though my life was changing ALOT with a baby, I knew I wanted to get back at it. While I’d been running some (both on the pavement and the treadmill) as Emery was getting older and life was getting busy I knew I needed a way for her to join me on my runs.
A friend at work sold me his running stroller for a steal and I love it! I *think* it’s 2016 BumbleRide Indie Stroller (linking their latest version of the Indie). It’s easy to maneuver, has lots of different seat positions and I can raise/lower the handle. With lots of storage and pockets it’s perfect for running or other outdoor outings!
It took a few runs to get used how I wanted to push it, but I mainly push with my left hand and swing my right arm. I switch back and forth some times and use both hands any sharp turns or big bumps (which Emery loves). I usually stick to running 2-3 miles with the stroller (someone gets cranky if she is in there for a long time).
Stay tuned for a whole post on some tips for running with a stroller! While we’re not perfect, we have both learned a few things along our journey (like bringing snacks is a must).
Six months into parenthood and A LOT has happened/changed since Emery came into this world. It’s a fun and exhausting time and I love being a momma.
Running has been a big part of my life for years and will hopefully continue to be for a long time.
So earlier this week, I registered for my first post partum race — the Wendell Foster Half Marathon. It’s in my hometown (and current town) and supports a great organization (I actually volunteered there when Ryan and I first moved back to Owensboro!). It’s in November so I have a lot of time to prepare (thank goodness!) But I am so excited to have a race on the calendar.
While I’m just running for my sanity right now, I can’t wait to start training soon!
Happy #GlobalRunningDay! Here I am after my first marathon! (#RnRNashville) One of my proudest running accomplishments and something I never thought would happen.
Running teaches me more about myself with every mile. I’ve been running for more than 10 years and I can say it’s honestly changed my life. #runhappy 💕
Today’s run wasn’t the best — but I got outside and did something. It felt great to knock out some miles before 7 a.m.! And honestly, who cares if I didn’t run as fast as I wanted? I’m not training for anything right now, life is crazy and the fact that I got out the door with my running shoes on is an accomplishment in itself.
On Saturday, I ran my first race of 2019! Every year my hometown has an International Bar-B-q Festival and it’s two days of food, live music, mutton eating contests and so much fun! This is my second time running the 5k race (my first was back in 2010!) and it was so much fun to be around the local running community. So many people come out for the race and the energy was off the charts (even on a chilly Saturday morning!)
The course is super simple and just makes a big loop through downtown Owensboro. While there is basically no crowd support, there are so many runners that you are never alone.
I’m actually pretty happy with my time. Lately, I’ve been running around 11-11:30 pace but I knew being around people and being outside would be a little faster. The first quarter mile was a lot of weaving in and out of the crowds and I had to walk once for 15-20 seconds to adjust my ponytail.
After the race, I came home to finish up some work and shower before heading back down to the festival with my brother to get some lunch. We had lots of samples, but finally decided on a mutton sandwich, lemonade shakeup and some fried cookie dough (so rich, but so good!)
The only crazy thing my brother wanted to try was the deep fried cookie dough. We have all of these insane fried festival food booths every year and I never give in (mainly because most of it sounds disgusting) but decided what the heck and we split the dish. Best choice ever! It was so good! 10/10 will get next year.
Does your town have any crazy festivals/celebrations?! I would love to hear about them in the comments below.
MILES WITH MEGHANN 